Osaka-Nara-Osaka-Kyoto-Osaka transportation tips needed
Replies: 9 - Last Post: Aug 24, 2012 9:15 PM Last Post By: katherine_loh
jump to
Osaka-Nara-Osaka-Kyoto-Osaka transportation tips needed
Hi everyone, I'm in need of some guidance mainly for transportation in + to and fro Osaka, Nara & Kyoto. I did up some research on my own, so please do correct me if I'm wrong.I understand that there is the JR Pass, but the amount seems to be too much for me as I use very much less than the indicated (2000/day, 4000/2days, 5000/3days, 6000/4days): http://www.jr-odekake.net/global/tc/jwrp/kansai.html
Thus, I have decided to use the prepaid cards instead.
1) Osaka prepaid travel card: http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/access/other_card.html
I'm deciding between Rainbow Card and Multiple Ride Card. From my understanding, Rainbow Card has extra options to take the Hankyu, Hanshin, Kita-Osaka Kyuko, Keihan, Nankai and Kintetsu lines etc., but Multiple Ride Card only has the basic subway, the New Tram and city buses options.
My main mode of transport will be along the JR Line, Osaka City Subway Chuo Line and Hanshin Namba Line. Also, I will be travelling to Nara via JR Line and utilising the local bus ( Daibutsu-den / Kasuga-taisha(shrine)-mae bus stop by city circulation bus ).
a) Seems like Rainbow Card is a better choice?
b) Am I able to top up the amount if I go over the maximum of 3,000 yen?
c) Am I able to get a refund of the remaining unused amount?
2) Kyoto prepaid travel card: http://www.japanguidebook.com/travel/getting-around-kyoto-53.html
I'm thinking of getting the Surutto Kansai Miyako Card (with a 2000 yen credit) instead of the Traffica Kyoto Card as I would not be using that much amount (3000 yen credit). Plus, I will only be on the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line, Hankyu-Kyoto Line & Hankyu-Arashiyama Line during my stay in Kyoto.
a) So, for Surutto Kansai Miyako Card, am I able to get a refund of the remaining unused amount?
b) Since I'm getting a prepaid travel card, does it make sense if I were to purchase a 600 yen Kyoto Subway One Day Pass Card just to save 30 yen for that day?
3) JR Pass (Kansai Area) for last day: http://www.jr-odekake.net/global/tc/jwrp/kansai.html
As on my last day, my travel expense (from Kyoto Station to Kansai Airport) will go slightly beyond 2,000 yen on the JR Line, I am thinking of utilising the JR Pass here.
a) This JR Pass is considered as unlimited rides, which allow me to detour to other stations along the JR Line without having to go straight to Kansai Airport. Am I correct?
4) From my understanding, I would need to purchase the JR Pass before I make my trip.
a) This only applies to the long distance trips (e.g. Kyoto to Osaka), and not to the within-Osaka short trips, am I right?
b) So, would it be safe to say if I were to purchase the JR Pass around 3 days before my trip, it is okay?
c) When travelling from Osaka to Kyoto, HYPERDIA gave me the following suggestion. Do I need to make any advance purchases for this long-distance trip, despite not using the *JR Pass*? Or is there another option as I would have a big luggage with me?
5) Taxis
a) How do I recognise the taxis in Osaka, Nara and Kyoto?
b) Is this correct?: Kyoto taxis start around 600 yen for the first two kilometers and goes up by 100 yen increments for every 500 meters.
Please do give me your advice and other available options are much appreciated. Thank you! :)
1
katherine_loh wrote:
Hi everyone, I'm in need of some guidance mainly for transportation in + to and fro Osaka, Nara & Kyoto. I did up some research on my own, so please do correct me if I'm wrong.
Hi everyone, I'm in need of some guidance mainly for transportation in + to and fro Osaka, Nara & Kyoto. I did up some research on my own, so please do correct me if I'm wrong.
Looks like you have done a lot of research!
Do you arrive and depart from Kansai Airport?
Is it within two weeks?
If so, consider the new (July 2012) ICOCA + Haruka Package:-
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_icoca_haruka.html
Depends a little where you stay in Osaka but the return package gets you on the Haruka back from Kyoto to Kansai Airport (KIX).
You can use the ICOCA for the vast majority of the transport you mentioned, so I wouldn't try and use all those different cards, just use the ICOCA.
If you don't get the above ICOCA + Haruka package then:-
3) JR Pass (Kansai Area) for last day: http://www.jr-odekake.net/global/tc/jwrp/kansai.html
As on my last day, my travel expense (from Kyoto Station to Kansai Airport) will go slightly beyond 2,000 yen on the JR Line, I am thinking of utilising the JR Pass here.
a) This JR Pass is considered as unlimited rides, which allow me to detour to other stations along the JR Line without having to go straight to Kansai Airport. Am I correct?
As on my last day, my travel expense (from Kyoto Station to Kansai Airport) will go slightly beyond 2,000 yen on the JR Line, I am thinking of utilising the JR Pass here.
a) This JR Pass is considered as unlimited rides, which allow me to detour to other stations along the JR Line without having to go straight to Kansai Airport. Am I correct?
Of course. You can even go Kyoto - JR Nara - Kyoto - JR Osaka - JR Shin-Osaka - KIX or whatever.
4) From my understanding, I would need to purchase the JR Pass before I make my trip.
You are permitted to buy one per person (and only one) in Japan. If you want two, you can either buy two outside Japan or one outside Japan and one inside Japan.
a) This only applies to the long distance trips (e.g. Kyoto to Osaka), and not to the within-Osaka short trips, am I right?
No, you can use it on the JR lines in Osaka (eg. Osaka Loop line)
b) So, would it be safe to say if I were to purchase the JR Pass around 3 days before my trip, it is okay?
Sure.
c) When travelling from Osaka to Kyoto, HYPERDIA gave me the following suggestion. Do I need to make any advance purchases for this long-distance trip, despite not using the *JR Pass*? Or is there another option as I would have a big luggage with me?
No, these are all just commuter trains. At that time of night you should be fine. ICOCA should work for the entire trip.
5) Taxis
a) How do I recognise the taxis in Osaka, Nara and Kyoto?
a) How do I recognise the taxis in Osaka, Nara and Kyoto?
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2021.html
b) Is this correct?: Kyoto taxis start around 600 yen for the first two kilometers and goes up by 100 yen increments for every 500 meters.
Sounds about right, note rates increase by 20-30% in the evening. In general if you are going to use taxis use them from the nearest subway station to your destination. If you wish to provide an example of when you might wish to use the taxis we could help.
Please do give me your advice and other available options are much appreciated. Thank you! :)
Once upon a time ICOCA usage was quite limited (mostly just JR in Kyoto/Osaka) but now ICOCA is pretty much good everywhere with the only major exception being for Kyoto buses. It works fine on the Nara buses, plus all types of trains in Osaka and Kyoto.
I'd just get the ICOCA + Haruka package.
Hope this helps!
2
Hi acc, thanks a lot for your tips!Do you arrive and depart from Kansai Airport?
Is it within two weeks?
If so, consider the new (July 2012) ICOCA + Haruka Package:-
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_icoca_haruka.htmlIs it within two weeks?
If so, consider the new (July 2012) ICOCA + Haruka Package:-
Depends a little where you stay in Osaka but the return package gets you on the Haruka back from Kyoto to Kansai Airport (KIX).
You can use the ICOCA for the vast majority of the transport you mentioned, so I wouldn't try and use all those different cards, just use the ICOCA.
A1
Yes, I'll arrive and depart from Kansai Airport within two weeks.
If i were to take on this ICOCA + Haruka Package, the round trip 4,000 yen will include the 2,000 yen value in the ICOCA Prepaid Card + one-way trip from kansai airport to one of the JR stations mentioned on the map?
So it means to say, by paying 4,000 yen, I can travel one-way to my osaka hotel (mentioned on the map) + get additional 2,000 yen value ICOCA Prepaid Card for the rest of my trip. For the ICOCA Prepaid Card, I can only use the 1,500 yen (remainder of 500 yen is 'untouchable'). Am I correct?
Because the trip from kansai airport to my osaka hotel is around 1,300 yen if I were to pay in cash, so i'm not sure if this is a good deal for me (as the one-way trip seems to be valued at 2,000yen). Unless, I am able to use the one-way trip to osaka hotel onto one-way trip from kyoto hotel to kansai airport instead? (confused x.x)
= = =
4a) This only applies to the long distance trips (e.g. Kyoto to Osaka), and not to the within-Osaka short trips, am I right?
No, you can use it on the JR lines in Osaka (eg. Osaka Loop line)
No, you can use it on the JR lines in Osaka (eg. Osaka Loop line)
A2
I actually meant to ask if the 'purchase of JR Pass before I make my trip' applies to short trips within osaka (e.g. osaka loop line). So by using the prepaid cards, I would not need to reserve train rides before hand, am I correct?
= = =
4c) When travelling from Osaka to Kyoto, HYPERDIA gave me the following suggestion. Do I need to make any advance purchases for this long-distance trip, despite not using the JR Pass? Or is there another option as I would have a big luggage with me?
No, these are all just commuter trains. At that time of night you should be fine. ICOCA should work for the entire trip.
No, these are all just commuter trains. At that time of night you should be fine. ICOCA should work for the entire trip.
A3
So what type of trains do I need to make advance booking for?
Actually the timing is off. I will be travelling in the day, around 11am to 12pm departing from Osaka towards Kyoto. And I'm looking for seats (is it called reserved seats?) as the travel time is around 1 hour. Would I need to make advance booking for this Osaka-Kyoto trip if I were to use the ICOCA Prepaid Card? Or do I need to make other reservations instead of using the ICOCA?
= = =
5b) Is this correct?: Kyoto taxis start around 600 yen for the first two kilometers and goes up by 100 yen increments for every 500 meters.
Sounds about right, note rates increase by 20-30% in the evening. In general if you are going to use taxis use them from the nearest subway station to your destination. If you wish to provide an example of when you might wish to use the taxis we could help.
Sounds about right, note rates increase by 20-30% in the evening. In general if you are going to use taxis use them from the nearest subway station to your destination. If you wish to provide an example of when you might wish to use the taxis we could help.
A4
I'm planning to take a taxi in Kyoto around noon, from Higashi Honganji to Kiyomizu-dera temple.
= = =
Once upon a time ICOCA usage was quite limited (mostly just JR in Kyoto/Osaka) but now ICOCA is pretty much good everywhere with the only major exception being for Kyoto buses. It works fine on the Nara buses, plus all types of trains in Osaka and Kyoto.
I'd just get the ICOCA + Haruka package.
I'd just get the ICOCA + Haruka package.
A5
So the ICOCA + Haruka Package also includes on all buses in Osaka and Nara?
Once again, thanks a lot for your help! :)
Edited by: katherine_loh
3
Hi acc, thanks a lot for your tips!
You are welcome.
A1
If i were to take on this ICOCA + Haruka Package, the round trip 4,000 yen will include the 2,000 yen value in the ICOCA Prepaid Card + one-way trip from kansai airport to one of the JR stations mentioned on the map?
If i were to take on this ICOCA + Haruka Package, the round trip 4,000 yen will include the 2,000 yen value in the ICOCA Prepaid Card + one-way trip from kansai airport to one of the JR stations mentioned on the map?
No, the round trip gives you one Haruka trip from KIX (Kansai Airport) to Osaka/Kyoto. And one Haruka trip from Kyoto/Osaka back to KIX.
So it means to say, by paying 4,000 yen, I can travel one-way to my osaka hotel (mentioned on the map) + get additional 2,000 yen value ICOCA Prepaid Card for the rest of my trip.
PLUS the return trip on Haruka from Kyoto to KIX
For the ICOCA Prepaid Card, I can only use the 1,500 yen (remainder of 500 yen is 'untouchable'). Am I correct?
No. Quoting from the ICOCA+Haruka page I linked
"b) Icoca Prepaid Card
1) The Icoca prepaid card initially has a value of 2000 yen, which is made up of a refundable deposit of 500 yen...
2) The card's 500 yen deposit (and an eventual remaining balance minus a 210 yen handling fee) can be refunded at any JR ticket counter in the Greater Osaka region (including Kansai Airport). Alternatively, the balance remains valid for ten years without the card being used."
So if you have a 0 yen balance at the end, you get your 500 yen back. If you have a 1000 yen balance on the ICOCA at the end you get 500 yen + 1000 yen - 210 yen = 1290 yen back. You can spend your ICOCA balance using some vending machines and also some/most convenience stores.
Because the trip from kansai airport to my osaka hotel is around 1,300 yen if I were to pay in cash, so i'm not sure if this is a good deal for me (as the one-way trip seems to be valued at 2,000yen). Unless, I am able to use the one-way trip to osaka hotel onto one-way trip from kyoto hotel to kansai airport instead? (confused x.x)
You get TWO one way trips. So essentially they are just 1000 yen each.
A2
I actually meant to ask if the 'purchase of JR Pass before I make my trip' applies to short trips within osaka (e.g. osaka loop line). So by using the prepaid cards, I would not need to reserve train rides before hand, am I correct?
I actually meant to ask if the 'purchase of JR Pass before I make my trip' applies to short trips within osaka (e.g. osaka loop line). So by using the prepaid cards, I would not need to reserve train rides before hand, am I correct?
I don't think I understand your statement/question.
If you decide not to get the ICOCA + Haruka package and instead get a JR West One Day Pass (2000 yen) then you just show the pass as you enter and exit the ticket gates at JR Stations (on lines/trains where it is valid of course)
You can only reserve a seat on trains that allow seat reservations, in general Limited Express and Shinkansen. You can't reserve a seat on local/rapid/express commuter trains.
You may like to read this page which might explain it for you:-
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2016.html
A3
So what type of trains do I need to make advance booking for?
So what type of trains do I need to make advance booking for?
In general only Limited Express and Shinkansen and even those usually allow non-reserved seating. I have no idea on the rest of your schedule but everything you have listed so far you won't reserve a seat for.
Actually the timing is off. I will be travelling in the day, around 11am to 12pm departing from Osaka towards Kyoto. And I'm looking for seats (is it called reserved seats?) as the travel time is around 1 hour.
Like I said, these are commuter trains, there are no reserved seats. It is first come first served. If you travel at a not very busy time (11am may be ok) you may be lucky and actually get a seat.
Would I need to make advance booking for this Osaka-Kyoto trip if I were to use the ICOCA Prepaid Card? Or do I need to make other reservations instead of using the ICOCA?
No. Reservations are not allowed/possible.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3920.html#jump_access
If you can't find a taxi outside Higashi Honganji then you can walk back to Kyoto Station where the taxi rank is. To be honest, I'd probably just take the bus from the Bus station which is right next to this same taxi rank. Bus will be 220yen.
Taxi will be 1000-1300 yen from memory.
A5
So the ICOCA + Haruka Package also includes on all buses in Osaka and Nara?
So the ICOCA + Haruka Package also includes on all buses in Osaka and Nara?
Yes, the ICOCA can be used on buses in Osaka and Nara.
Note that the Haruka is a Limited Express train so it does have reserved seating, but with the Haruka component of the ICOCA + Haruka package you will have to sit in the non-reserved seating carriage. Don't worry because this train is rarely full so you are almost guaranteed to have a nice seat.
Hope that clarifies things for you!
4
Hi acc, thanks once more! My questions seems to be getting lesser now that I have understood more about how the transportation in Japan.Use Hyperdia. If you click on "Interval Timetable" underneath the Haruka train after you have completed your search it will show you all of them.
C1
Is this the correct one?: Nankai Ltd. Exp. Rapit
= = =
Your question doesn't make sense, but this Limited Express supplement fee is included in the Haruka component of the ICOCA + Haruka package. You will not have to pay any extra.
C2
Haha…sorry, I missed out on the ‘not’ word. Got it. :)
= = =
B3
Am I allowed to do the following itinerary using this ICOCA + Haruka Package (4,000 yen round-trip) on the way back? (I have booked a hotel near Rinku Town station, a day before my flight home, and am thinking of doing some last minute shopping in the afternoon.)
Am I allowed to do the following itinerary using this ICOCA + Haruka Package (4,000 yen round-trip) on the way back? (I have booked a hotel near Rinku Town station, a day before my flight home, and am thinking of doing some last minute shopping in the afternoon.)
Kyoto (on the Haruka) Rinku Town (using ICOCA Prepaid Card) other stations along the JR line (using ICOCA Prepaid Card) KIX
No. Haruka does not stop at Rinku Town. Usually the first station from the airport is Tennoji, although sometimes it is Hineno. It always skips Rinku Town.
You could go Kyoto - KIX. Then exit using your Haruka Ticket. Then re-enter using your ICOCA and pay the normal fee for Rinku Town (350 yen). Any other travel on that day you would have to pay for on ICOCA. You would then need to pay for Rinku Town to KIX the following morning using your ICOCA (350 yen).
You might be able to do Haruka from Kyoto - Tennoji then JR Kansai Airport Rapid from Tennoji to Rinku Town all on your "Haruka" ticket. But I am not 100% sure if this is allowed. You could ask the staff at Kansai Airport when you arrive.
C3
I think I’ll take your advice on using the ICOCA (350 yen from KIX back to Rinku Town) as travelling from Tennoji to Rinku Town is more than 350 yen.
= = =
B4
If I’m not wrong, there seems to be a bus stop outside Higashi Honganji as well?
If I’m not wrong, there seems to be a bus stop outside Higashi Honganji as well?
Sure, but it probably won't have good access to Kiyomizudera (unless on a weekend), so you will have to pay 220yen for a bus back to Kyoto Station and then 220yen for a bus to Kiyomizudera. If you do decide to do it this way (and get a bus back from Kiyomizudera) then you may as well pay 500 yen for the One Day Bus Pass. You can buy this from the Bus Ticket Office outside Kyoto Station as well as a few other areas.
C4
Coincidentally, I am planning to travel to visit Kiyomizudera on a weekend (Sunday). Could you advise me on this trip then?
(What do you mean by ‘won’t have good access’? Is it due to weekdays having more tourists? Or is it because there isn't a straight bus from Higashi Honganji?)
= = =
I have used the Haruka numerous times. I have used it just by paying for a ticket. I have used it with a JR West One Day Pass. I have used it with a National JR Pass. I have used it in reserved carriages with a seat reservation and also in the non-reserved carriages. I have not yet used it with the ICOCA + Haruka package (only started in July 2012!) but I probably will in future!
C5
Wow! Am I lucky to have you as my saviour :D
Could you give me some insights as to how the inside of Haruka looks like? Is it similar to the bullet train? (Only been on that in Japan)
Thanks for the tips on the Kyoto buses!
5
C1
Is this the correct one?: Nankai Ltd. Exp. Rapit
Is this the correct one?: Nankai Ltd. Exp. Rapit
No, it should say "Ltd. Exp. Haruka".
Nankai is a completely different company.
Here's a timetable anyway, but I'd try and use Hyperdia again.
http://www.jr-odekake.net/en/jwrp/pdf/timetable_haruka.pdf
C3
I think I’ll take your advice on using the ICOCA (350 yen from KIX back to Rinku Town) as travelling from Tennoji to Rinku Town is more than 350 yen.
I think I’ll take your advice on using the ICOCA (350 yen from KIX back to Rinku Town) as travelling from Tennoji to Rinku Town is more than 350 yen.
I was trying to say that you might be able to use the JR Airport Rapid (instead of Haruka) and get out at Rinku Town without any extra charge. But yes, going to KIX (and exiting the station) and then going to Rinku Town on your ICOCA will work.
C4
Coincidentally, I am planning to travel to visit Kiyomizudera on a weekend (Sunday). Could you advise me on this trip then?
Coincidentally, I am planning to travel to visit Kiyomizudera on a weekend (Sunday). Could you advise me on this trip then?
I think the "Aquarium and Higashiyama Line" as shown on the second map I linked above will get you from Nanajo Nishinotoin to Gojozaka. I am not sure on how to identify this bus correctly or even if it will work as it only started in March.
(What do you mean by ‘won’t have good access’? Is it due to weekdays having more tourists? Or is it because there isn't a straight bus from Higashi Honganji?)
No direct bus on weekdays.
Could you give me some insights as to how the inside of Haruka looks like? Is it similar to the bullet train? (Only been on that in Japan)
http://jprail.com/img/haruka/o/01.jpg
http://jprail.com/img/haruka/o/02.jpg
http://jprail.com/img/haruka/o/03.jpg
http://jprail.com/img/haruka/lg/02.jpg
6
Yes! I'm almost done with this. :DC1
Is this the correct one?: Nankai Ltd. Exp. Rapit
Is this the correct one?: Nankai Ltd. Exp. Rapit
No, it should say "Ltd. Exp. Haruka".
Nankai is a completely different company.
Here's a timetable anyway, but I'd try and use Hyperdia again.
http://www.jr-odekake.net/en/jwrp/pdf/timetable_haruka.pdf
http://www.jr-odekake.net/en/jwrp/pdf/timetable_haruka.pdf
D1
I can’t seem to find it on Hyperdia even when all the boxes are checked, funny… But I am able to find the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service. :)
So if I were to take the Ltd. Exp. Haruka, I would be travelling along the JR Hanwa Line directly to Tennoji?
And if I were to take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service, I would be travelling along the same route, but the train will stop along the way, am I correct?
= = =
C3
I think I’ll take your advice on using the ICOCA (350 yen from KIX back to Rinku Town) as travelling from Tennoji to Rinku Town is more than 350 yen.
I think I’ll take your advice on using the ICOCA (350 yen from KIX back to Rinku Town) as travelling from Tennoji to Rinku Town is more than 350 yen.
I was trying to say that you might be able to use the JR Airport Rapid (instead of Haruka) and get out at Rinku Town without any extra charge. But yes, going to KIX (and exiting the station) and then going to Rinku Town on your ICOCA will work.
D2
Ah, yes. So it would be better to use the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service to travel from Kyoto to Rinku Town. Thanks for the tip!
Would this following method work? As I’d wish to cut down on the number of stops that the JR Airport Rapid would have to go through.
Kyoto (Haruka) Tennoji (JR Airport Rapid) Rinku Town
= = =
D3
May I know when travelling on the train, if I were to miss my stop and went pass it, am I able to just alight at the next stop and simply cross over to take the train back to my correct stop? For both Haruka/JR Airport Rapid and normal trains.
Do I need to be aware if the platform serves different types of trains? Or one platform serves only one kind of train? (So I wouldn't get on the wrong train type)
= = =
Could you give me some insights as to how the inside of Haruka looks like? Is it similar to the bullet train? (Only been on that in Japan)
http://jprail.com/img/haruka/o/01.jpg
http://jprail.com/img/haruka/o/02.jpg
http://jprail.com/img/haruka/o/03.jpg
http://jprail.com/img/haruka/lg/02.jpg
http://jprail.com/img/haruka/o/02.jpg
http://jprail.com/img/haruka/o/03.jpg
http://jprail.com/img/haruka/lg/02.jpg
D4
Seems like there's not much space for big luggages? I would assume that the JR Airport Rapid would have lesser space than Haruka?
7
Hi acc, one last question (E3) if no other surprises :)D1
I can’t seem to find it on Hyperdia even when all the boxes are checked, funny… But I am able to find the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service. :)
I can’t seem to find it on Hyperdia even when all the boxes are checked, funny… But I am able to find the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service. :)
What is your from and to stations? Un-tick "Private Railway".
E1
Oh! Found it! Thanks for the tip!
= = =
Would this following method work? As I’d wish to cut down on the number of stops that the JR Airport Rapid would have to go through.
Kyoto (Haruka) Tennoji (JR Airport Rapid) Rinku Town
That's what I was trying to say. (or said). I am just not 100% sure that your "Haruka" ticket will allow you to hop off at Rinku Town. It does allow you to use the JR Airport Rapid from Tennoji to KIX. You will have to try and clarify this at Kansai Airport JR Ticket Office. (or maybe someone else on here knows).
E2
Ah…I see! Cool~ I will double check with the JR Ticket Office at KIX too.
= = =
D3
May I know when travelling on the train, if I were to miss my stop and went pass it, am I able to just alight at the next stop and simply cross over to take the train back to my correct stop?
May I know when travelling on the train, if I were to miss my stop and went pass it, am I able to just alight at the next stop and simply cross over to take the train back to my correct stop?
Theoretically, no.
For both Haruka/JR Airport Rapid and normal trains.
For Haruka, probably not as tickets will be checked on board.
For Rapid, probably yes as tickets are not likely to be checked on board.
For normal trains, almost definitely yes. (Even though technically you are not allowed to)
For Rapid, probably yes as tickets are not likely to be checked on board.
For normal trains, almost definitely yes. (Even though technically you are not allowed to)
The station names are in Japanese and English.
E3
For normal trains, is Direction 1 and Direction 2 just situated at opposite platforms?
(e.g. Direction 1: Tennoji to Shin-Imamiya, Direction 2: Shin-Imamiya to Tennoji)
Glad to know that both Japanese and English are in use for the trains. (can't believe someone just videotaped 90 mins worth of train travel ^^;)
8
E3
For normal trains, is Direction 1 and Direction 2 just situated at opposite platforms?
(e.g. Direction 1: Tennoji to Shin-Imamiya, Direction 2: Shin-Imamiya to Tennoji)
For normal trains, is Direction 1 and Direction 2 just situated at opposite platforms?
(e.g. Direction 1: Tennoji to Shin-Imamiya, Direction 2: Shin-Imamiya to Tennoji)
No, you can't use that as a rule at all. You will have to check on each platform where the trains are going.
Glad to know that both Japanese and English are in use for the trains. (can't believe someone just videotaped 90 mins worth of train travel ^^;)
Never underestimate the dedication of Japanese Train Enthusiasts!
9
Hi acc, I’m really grateful to all the help and assistance you’ve provided. :)In conclusion, I will be purchasing the ICOCA + Haruka Package (4,000 yen round-trip) at Kansai Airport, and use the Prepaid Card for:
• Osaka: JR Line, Osaka City Subway Chuo Line & Hanshin Namba Line
• Nara: JR Line & local bus ( Daibutsu-den / Kasuga-taisha(shrine)-mae bus stop by city circulation bus )
• Kyoto: Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line, Hankyu-Kyoto Line & Hankyu-Arashiyama Line
For bus trips in Kyoto, I will just need to pay the flat fee of 220 yen per trip.
Thank you very much!! I feel more secured now. :)
